Yesterday I added a post on how to tame a pigeon. Today I want to write a bit on how to care for an indoor tame pigeon. As mentioned, feral or domestic pigeons in captivity can live a long time (up to their early 20’s) and require the same love and care that any other animal needs.

So what does this love and care really mean?

Well, in my eyes it means understanding what the pigeon needs to thrive and be happy and then providing it. Simple!

Let me first just point out that in no way is this a definitive list of care instructions – it’s just a few points. If you are thinking of caring for pigeons then, on top of reading what I have to say, please add to your bank of knowledge information from books, pigeon forums and advice from experienced pigeon keepers.

All birds that are flighted should be allowed to fly, the more hours permitted, the better. Keeping a pigeon in a small cage for the rest of its life is cruel. Even if the pigeon cannot fly, as is the case with our two disabled pigeons, they should be allowed time out in your home to exercise and explore. Pigeons are inquisitive and like to roam about looking for food, bedding material or other items of interest.

Having an outside aviary or pen to allow the pigeons to walk or fly about in is also good – direct sunlight allows the pigeon to absorb vitamin D which is required for healthy and strong bone development (if they don’t have access to direct sunlight you’ll have to give them some vitamin D and calcium supplements as well as UV light). Fresh air and rain are also good for pigeons – and many enjoy having a shower during light rainfall.

Providing the appropriate food, housing, temperature and fresh water are a given. If you didn’t know this then you need to do a LOT of reading on animal care before you purchase any animal!

If you have a flighted indoor pigeon ensure that windows and doors aren’t left open for it to escape through, unless your pigeon knows how to return to your home (but there is always the risk that a predator, such as a hawk or cat, will catch your pigeon if it is let out, so be aware of the risks!). Many indoor plants and other household items are also dangerous or poisonous to birds so you need to read up on the dangers. For example, leaving the toilet seat up is a hazard. These two sites provide good advice: Pigeon Safety and Plants/foods that are toxic/poison to pigeons.

So apart from catering for the pigeon’s physical needs there is also their emotional or psychological needs that you must provide for. A tame pigeon may like the company of people as well as pigeons, in which case you can have many pigeons that can keep each other company, however, an imprinted or bonded to humans pigeon may only want your attention and company. They will bond to you and may not tolerate another pigeon in your care (especially if the other pigeon gets close to you).

If you are the pigeon’s mate, so to speak, then you must understand that when you leave for long periods of time (such as going to work, holidays) then your pigeon will miss you and will wait for your return (then you’ll be greeted with great enthusiasm). So don’t play with his or her emotions by not being around to give him/her your company. However, in all honesty you will probably fall head over heels with your pigeon and won’t want to leave him/her alone for long. Trust me.

I’m probably missing a whole range of other things here but I cannot mention them all. The best way to gather information, other than from pigeon books (pigeon books can be quite expensive to buy), is to join a pigeon forum and read what other pigeon lovers have to say. There’s a wealth of knowledge out there!